Transcription has evolved into an important profession, leading to a high demand for transcribers across all fields. But what exactly do transcribers do? Are there specific skills required to succeed in this field? And what kind of salary can you expect?
This article by Thao & Co. dives deeper into the world of transcription, exploring the role, skills needed, and potential earnings.
In essence, transcription is the process of transforming spoken words into written text for future reference and archiving. Transcribers are the people or programs that perform transcription.
Nowadays, there are many useful transcription programs, offering from free to priced options. Thanks to these programs, transcription has become much quicker and easier than ever.
While the terms ‘transcriptionist‘ and ‘transcriber’ are often used interchangeably, it’s important to note that ‘transcriptionist’ refers specifically to human professionals who convert spoken audio into written text. ‘Transcriber,’ on the other hand, can encompass both human and automated transcription methods.
The main duty of transcribers is to carefully listen to spoken information and accurately convert it into written text, making sure that grammar, punctuation, and other elements are properly documented.
When providing transcription services, transcribers may also have to fulfill additional requests, such as identifying speakers, creating timestamps, or language translation.
Moreover, when working with non-verbatim transcription requests, transcribers may also need to edit the transcripts to improve readability by condensing filler words, phrases, or redundancies while ensuring the core message remains intact.
To produce an accurate and quality transcript, it is essential for transcribers to possess these skills:
The salary for transcribers depends on multiple factors, such as their experience and specialization. The transcription pay range for each country may greatly differ as well. Let’s have a look at two examples: the U.S. and Vietnam.
The average wage for transcribers in the U.S. is around $20.1 per hour.
This number may vary depending on the expertise and experience of the transcriber, as well as the complexity of the project. Currently, the hourly wage of this profession ranges from $9.71 to $41.62 (Source: Indeed).
In Vietnam, the rates for on-site transcription are typically calculated based on the scale and complexity of the transcription project. According to transcription job websites, the current wage is around VND 115,000 per hour for novice transcribers, and around VND 230,000 per hour for seasoned transcribers.
For audio or video transcription services, the price is calculated based on the duration of the file. The rates for these transcription services range from $1.2 to $2.5 per minute.
When considering transcription services, you have a range of options at your disposal. You can choose to collaborate with professional transcriptionists who offer human-verified accuracy and expertise in handling specific fields.
Alternatively, numerous online transcription programs and applications are readily available on the internet. Keep in mind that before deciding on a transcription program, it is best to evaluate the accuracy and quality of the transcription it produces.
Online ratings are readily available nowadays. You can take some time to browse through reviews of other users to see which program is the most suitable for your needs.
However, since these tools rely on AI technology, consistent quality isn’t always guaranteed. Beyond potential variations in accuracy, information security is another consideration. Uploading your files online can introduce some risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, or even misuse of the information they contain.
For the most discerning needs, particularly those requiring the highest level of accuracy, security, and specialized knowledge, partnering with professional transcriptionists remains the gold standard.
Need crystal-clear transcripts delivered fast? Thao & Co. offers a streamlined transcription service to convert your audio or video into accurate, easy-to-read text.
Our global network consists of expert linguists across over 50 languages, each a seasoned transcriptionist with a proven track record of meticulous attention to detail.
We understand the importance of discretion. That’s why Thao & Co. prioritizes information confidentiality in every step of our workflow, ensuring a worry-free experience for our clients.
Every transcriptionist working on your project is required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, providing an extra layer of security and safeguarding all of your data.
Ready to unlock the clarity and efficiency of expertly transcribed content? Don’t wait! Leave your information on our Get a Quote page today, and Thao & Co. will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss your project and provide a free, personalized quote.
